by REM
Jill held out her hand. Bob placed the comb in her palm. She pressed the switch and ejected the knife. “Nifty,” she said.
“You most likely won’t even need it,” said Bob.
“Eh, rather have it than not,” said Josh.
“Just need you two to write down your shoe sizes and ID numbers on this form and you can be on your way,” said Bob, handing Josh a clipboard with a pen.
The pilots wrote down their information and gave the clipboard back to Bob.
“Thank you,” said Josh, before turning to leave.
Jill said, “Thank you,” as well and followed Josh out. “Well, this trip’s shaping up to be interesting.”
“That it is,” said Josh.
“Hopefully it’ll turn out more like a vacation than a mission.”
Doubt that.
Chapter 3
When morning rolled around, Josh and Jill were woken an hour earlier than the rest of the squadron. Rolly took them to a chamber to get suited up in casual tourist attire. Both were given thick, gray, tight-fitting pants. Their shirts were the same material and patterned colorfully in a way that reminded Josh of Victorian art.
“You’ll need these too,” said Rolly, handing each a leather puff coat. “It’s cold most of the time on Nystavia.”
Josh kicked his feet out a few times and said, “These fit me perfectly,” glancing down at his boots.
“Mine too,” said Jill.
“Good. That was one of our main concerns,” said Rolly. “We’ve already prepared suitcases with extra clothing. They’ve been placed on your transporter.” He held out a pair of three-by-two aluminum cards for the pilots to take. “These have been loaded with hundreds of thousands in Grusk currency. We encourage you to gamble as often as possible. This will make your cover the most convincing and gain you favor with the Grusks.”
Josh smirked. “That shouldn’t be a problem.”
Rolly and Jill smirked too. “I didn’t think it would be,” said Rolly. “Here are your transmitters.” He held them out for the pilots to take.
Josh was amazed how well the color of his devices matched his skin. He glanced at Jill and could tell she was impressed too.
“Keep these on you at all times when you’re out and about,” said Rolly, handing the pilots their comb knives. Josh slid his into his back pocket. “There are maps, flashlights, and other miscellaneous items already placed in your luggage.” He looked the pilots over. “That should just about do it. How are you guys feeling?”
“Not bad at all. This should be a cake walk compared to some of the other missions I’ve run,” said Josh.
Officer Rolly gave him a telling look then glanced at Jill. “And you?”
“Fine, sir. Should be a breeze.”
Josh was impressed by her answer but wondered if Jill really meant what she’d said.
Officer Rolly took time to answer any additional questions Josh and Jill had concerning the mission. Following that, he told the pilots of a time he’d visited Nystavia, and his experience in dealing with Grusks, whom he considered an amiable species.
Rolly glanced at a clock on the wall. “Okay, the rest of the 3rd unit should be heading to the cafeteria right about now. Go eat with your crewmates, then head down to the north flight deck.”
“Yes, sir,” Josh responded, Jill saying the same.
When the pilots had made it to the door, Officer Rolly said, “Josh, I need you to stay for a couple minutes longer. Jill, you go on ahead.”
Jill glanced at Josh. She then did as told.
Josh walked back to the officer, feeling curious of what Rolly had to say. “Sir?”
“Take out your comb.”
Josh reached to his rear pocket and pulled his hand back around.
Rolly took the comb from Josh’s grip. “There’s a second switch on your comb, triggered by bending its bottom teeth up like this.” A needle shot out from its top during the demonstration. “Your comb has been loaded with a potent sedative. Simply the jab the needle into the skin and squeeze the handle as hard as you can to deliver the dose.”
Josh had scrunched up his face while widening his eyes. He looked at the weapon, then up at Rolly. “Sir, what will I be needing this for?”
“You’ve been given an additional primary objective—directly from Commander Clint. This is black ops; no one is to know about it.”
I knew there had to be a catch to this lovely vacation, thought Josh. “What does it entail?”
“During your stay you’ll most likely come across, or if not seek out, an alien by the name of Nemchek. There will be a secret transporter, already brokered by our forces, waiting for you in a private hangar. Its location has been included on your map, and has been marked by a circle. You are to sedate this Nemchek, and place him into a capsule onboard the transporter. The code for the locks on the craft have been configured to your pilot ID number. You’ll have access to all parts of the ship. Once you’ve secured the objective, enter the cockpit and press the only purple button on the dash. That will finish the task. I know you’ll have to get this done at the most opportune moment, but I strongly recommend searching out the vacant space lots prior to taking out Nemchek. That way you can flee to the primitive side of the planet before the Grusks begin investigating his disappearance.”
Josh was shocked by the probable complexity of his assignment. “Sir, this sounds like it could get incredibly difficult. First I’d have to locate this Nemchek. Then, after he’s been sedated, I’d have to find a way to get him to the transporter without anyone seeing me. How am I expected to accomplish this in such a short timespan?”
Rolly nodded, glancing down for a brief moment. “You’re right. The mission will be tough—especially considering you’ve had no training in secret service. It’s going to be very dangerous. But Clint believes you can pull it off, and I have faith in his judgement. You might need to lure Nemchek down to the transporter before taking him out. If you have to take him down earlier, wait until late night to drag him to the craft. Keep in mind the second option might leave time for Nemchek’s disappearance to be discovered, and may lead to a prompt investigation by the Grusks.”
Things got quiet as Josh considered everything Rolly had said. If I go down, Jill goes down too.
Rolly waited patiently for Josh to respond.
“I’ll find a way to get it done,” he said, looking the officer in the eyes.
“Good, because Commander Clint doesn’t take kindly to failed missions. And this one is as important as they always are.”
Josh nodded. “Yes, sir.”
“Good luck,” said Rolly.
Josh knew their conversation had come to a close and turned for the door after accepting his comb.
He made his way to the cafeteria to have breakfast with the rest of his team, minus Reena and Tor. Once mealtime was over, their squadron set off for the north flight deck. Officer Rolly was waiting when they arrived.
“Ace will be splitting you up into two groups. Half of you will patrol the northern Void, the others will monitor the Mercen’s secret route. Josh and Jill, with me,” said Rolly.
“If you guys run into any problems, let me know. I’ll fly out there and save you,” said Kyle.
Josh and Jill cracked smiles.
“It’s going to be a party for them. All they have to do is scan a few areas for Mercen activity, which they probably won’t find on that planet. Then the rest of their time is spent having fun,” said Hoss.
Josh glanced at Hoss, wishing he didn’t have to keep certain parts of the mission a secret.
“Don’t fall in love out there,” said Maya, with an all too merry grin.
She has no idea, thought Josh. It’s not my panties she’s after, Maya.
Jill smiled, not giving anything away.
Rolly led the way to a transporter at the end of the hangar. “This is a neutral craft. The pilot will be flying you to Space Station A, where you’ll transfer to Nystavia. The Grusks prefer to use their
own transporters for any tourists entering the planet. Split up and use the secondary passports in your luggage when it’s time to depart from Nystavia. Those should get you off of the planet safely.”
“Got it,” said Josh.
“Okay, all aboard.” Rolly entered a code to open the cargo door.
Josh and Jill boarded the craft. Within seconds they were blasting off into space, both peering through small round windows, as the rest of their squadron flew out from the Rampage. Josh loved how smoothly the void strikers cut through space.
The trip to the northern Void felt like forever to Josh, who was used to making the flight much faster in his striker. “Finally,” he said, as their transporter landed at a space lot on Space Station A. It was one of the bigger stations in the sector. He stepped off the transport with Jill to his left and peered at the many space lots surrounding a huge central hub.
“Your luggage will be transferred to your Nystavian flight,” said the pilot, walking around the side of the craft.
“Thank you,” said Jill.
Josh glanced in his direction but didn’t respond. He was too captivated with the surroundings.
“Follow me,” said the pilot.
Josh and Jill did as told. They were led into the hub and taken to the boarding area for their next flight. Josh gazed around at the many beings. Most were the usual species: Notle, Boden, Firble, human. But there were a couple he’d not seen before. All were scurrying in crowds to make it to their flights.
“This is incredible. Look at all these different aliens,” said Jill.
Josh realized it was the first time she’d visited a space station since being recruited to the Void Zone. He smiled. “Aye.” Then he explained to her what all the different species were called and what he’d learned about them since being deployed.
It wasn’t long before they had boarded a second transporter and were en route to Nystavia.
Josh watched the dark space around him change into an aurora of colorful lights.
“This feels crazy, being in the Cosmolis and not on a striker,” said Jill.
“Yep. I feel helpless. Good thing we’re on a Nystavian charter.”
Josh saw Jill’s hand tremble a smidge. “But Mercen are vile. They’ll shoot down anything.”
“Actually, they only truly hate humans. If you ever come across a Mercen in person, trust me when I say—they’ll be quick to remind you that you are food.” Josh almost wanted to laugh, but didn’t.
“You’re not worried at all—are you?”
“Nope, because at this point, worrying won’t change anything. All we can do is ride this out.”
Jill looked at him with bright eyes. She nibbled her lip before looking away.
Their transporter had been flying for miles, when Josh peeked out of a window and thought he saw distant shades of black objects slipping in and out of his visibility. He knew what they could be, but wasn’t entirely sure. “Possible shadow fighters, three o’clock, far out,” he said.
Jill twisted in her seat to have a look. “I can’t see anything.”
“You know how difficult they are to see from a distance.”
“Yeah.” She waited a moment. “But you said we’re safe, right?”
“We should be.”
They stared for a while longer. Then each turned back around in their seats. Occasionally, Josh would take another glance or two out into space.
More time went by, until eventually, Josh had closed his eyes to relax.
“My God… Josh, Josh!” said Jill.
Josh flicked open his eyelids and stared in her direction.
Jill’s mouth was open, her eyes were wide. She pointed toward the same window they’d peered out of earlier.
Josh felt a rush of adrenaline at seeing the shadow fighter flying side by side with the transporter, only about ten feet away. He stared at its jet-black canopy, unable to see the pilot inside. Has to be more. There wouldn’t be one flying alone in the Cosmolis.
“I think it’s seen us and knows we’re onboard,” said Jill.
Josh inspected the windows and said, “No, these allow us to see out, but it wouldn’t be able to see in.”
“Then why the hell is he flanking us?”
“I have no idea. But we’re in the Cosmolis, so there have to be more nearby.” He looked at Jill’s drawn face and worried expression. “I’m pretty sure they’re only horsing around. If they’d wanted to shoot us down they would’ve done so already. The pilot was probably bored out of his mind when he saw us.”
They kept watching. The Mercen craft inverted for a few seconds, then turned upright.
After a short stint, during which the enemy craft rolled again, the shadow fighter tilted right and dove off in another direction. Josh and Jill watched as four more slick moving shades joined it. A few seconds later, the shadow fighters were impossible to detect.
When the transporter carrying the Creston pilots had flown into Nystavia’s atmosphere and was coming in for a landing, Josh peered out and saw the vast city of connected castles. Some looked like Middle Eastern palaces, others looked like medieval paradises.
“It’s gorgeous,” said Jill. “Have you ever been anywhere like this?”
Josh shook his head. “No.”
Their transport landed in the massive courtyard of the easternmost castle. Josh saw that it bordered the vacant space lots where he and Jill would be doing their investigation. Perfect, he thought.
Once they’d stepped out from the craft, a 6’4 Grusk was awaiting them. The creature wore a black tuxedo-like suit. “Welcome to Nystavia,” it said, in a slow, husky voice.
Like a grey Frankenstein’s monster is right, thought Josh. “Thank you,” he said, as did Jill.
“Your luggage will be brought to your room. Please come with me,” said the Grusk. It turned and led the way to the edge of the courtyard, where a different alien was standing in a large walkway to the castle.
The creature was a red, fish-faced alien, with a chained monocle over one of its eyes.
“Welcome to Nystavia. You will find your stay a pleasant one,” said the fish-faced alien. “You may call me Lisk,” it said, bowing partially.
“Thank you,” said Jill.
Josh nodded and said the same.
“I will take you to your room,” said Lisk.
Josh and Jill followed the alien through long halls walled with elegant paintings of Nystavian nature and vintage Gruskan life. The thick carpet they walked on was designed in the same style as the artwork.
Lisk guided them up two flights of stairs, then into an elevator in the middle of a wide hall. The elevator stopped two floors up, where Lisk escorted the pilots through three small corridors before stopping in front of a door that had what Josh thought to be a wolf’s head carved into it.
“Here we are,” said Lisk. He pointed to a small panel near the door knob. “You may set your own lock code. If at any time you need assistance, please press the blue button on the wall inside.”
“Very good,” said Josh, bowing his head.
Lisk sauntered off.
Josh looked at Jill and said, “Standard code lock. We’ll set it to this.” He punched four of the buttons. After that he twisted the door open and stepped inside.
The room was average-sized with a small balcony. There were two twin beds, since human accommodations had been ordered.
“I love it,” said Jill. “Look, everything is fur.” She motioned at the fur rugs, fur bedding, and then fur curtains.
“Not bad,” said Josh, surveying the place.
There was a knock at the still opened door. Josh turned and saw two Grusks standing with their luggage. Heck, I didn’t even hear them come down the hall. “Much appreciated. Come on in,” he said.
The Grusks walked to where the pilots were standing at the center of the room and placed the luggage by Josh and Jill’s sides. They smiled, then turned and left.
Haven’t seen a female Grusk yet, thought Josh.
Jill walked over to the balcony and peeked outside. “They couldn’t have picked a better castle for our mission,” she said.
“Nope. This is right where we need to be.”
“The sky is so beautiful here. It’s literally purple.” She inhaled deeply and exhaled slowly.
Don’t get too comfortable, thought Josh, watching her.
“What should we do right now?”
“We’ve been on the clock the second we stepped foot on Nystavian soil. I’d say we get everything unpacked and get straight to our assignment.”
“Okay. But we can’t go walking the space lots so soon. That would look entirely out of place.”
“I agree,” said Josh. “Especially since the Grusks would have to be in cohorts with any Mercen bases this close to their city. We’re almost certainly going to have to do our searching at night, late evening at the earliest.”
Jill nodded. “Yes. So I guess we just get unpacked and enjoy the scenery until it’s time?”
“Rolly said we should be gambling as much as possible. Remember?”
“That sounds like fun too. I love to gamble.” She grinned.
Josh smirked. “Good, because we’ve got plenty of money.” He held up the credit card, then felt a bout of seriousness roll over him. I don’t know how the hell I’m going to find this Nemchek. Walking the city would be much better for that than hanging around a Nystavian casino. It was the first time he’d thought about the intricacies of finding a single individual. Rolly had never explained how he might go about doing so. I’ll have to ask around. There’s just no other way.
“Well, let’s get to unpacking,” said Jill, walking over toward the luggage.
Josh grabbed a suitcase and rolled it over to the side of his bed.
Once the pilots were all settled in, they buzzed the blue button near the front door and asked to be shown to the gambling area. The same red, fish-faced alien named Lisk arrived a few minutes later to escort them.
